Vestas, a Danish company, has announced its participation in the AREH project, a “pioneering initiative”, whose main objective is provide electricity to Indonesia at a competitive cost through the use of renewable energy sources.
The objective behind this megaproject is not only the supply of electricity, but also seeks to ensure that the country meets its international commitments Regarding the reduction of Emissions of greenhouse gases, something crucial for a developing country with an ever-growing energy demand.
A commitment to energy stability
One of the great advantages that AREH offers to Indonesia is its ability to generate stability in the energy supply, which is vital for an archipelago with a population of more than 260 million people. Indonesia faces the challenge of ensuring a continuous supply, and the renewable nature of AREH promises to achieve this without the price volatility that fossil fuels impose on global markets.
Moreover, the use of renewable energies such as solar and wind not only reduces costs in the long term, but also eliminates dependence on fluctuations in global oil and coal prices. In fact, according to data from the company Vestas, The use of such renewable energy will guarantee stable and competitive prices in the future., which would undoubtedly benefit millions of end users.
Strategic location and hybrid potential
The project's location is critical to its success. AREH will be developed in the Pilbara region of north-west Australia, an area that offers excellent potential for both solar and wind energy. The geography and climate of the region are unique, providing natural resources that surpass the records of other areas in Australia. This site has been carefully chosen by a team of experts who took two years to evaluate it. and after traveling thousands of kilometers.
The project aims to operate in a hybrid manner, a combination that promises to be key to its success. Solar energy is expected to be harnessed during the day, while solar energy is expected to be used during the day. wind power, which tends to be stronger during the afternoon and evening, will complement it. This combination will not only allow for more efficient performance, but will also ensure unprecedented energy stability in the region.
“The combined solar and wind energy potential of the Pilbara region is simply extraordinary. This type of complementarity will allow us to produce energy continuously and safely throughout the day, which is crucial to being able to meet our supply projections to Indonesia and other neighboring nations.”
AREH project details
AREH is an ambitious megaproject both in terms of technology and impact. To better understand the magnitude of the project, here are some key facts:
- The facility is designed to operate for more than 62 years, an impressive lifespan that ensures a lasting impact on the region.
- The total capacity of the project will be 6.000 megawatts (MW), of which 2.000 MW will come from solar energy y 4.000 MW of wind energyThis gives an idea of the scale of the project.
- The energy generated will be distributed through two submarine cables that will connect Australia, Singapore and Jakarta.
- It is expected that more than 100,000 tons of 15 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy, which would make AREH's total production double that of the Cofrentes nuclear power plant.
Furthermore, one of the keys to AREH being viable is its proximity to Indonesia and the significant improvement in submarine cable technology. The transmission of large amounts of electricity over long distances at an efficient cost is possible thanks to HVDC technology cables, developed by Prysmian, which can transmit up to 1,5 gigawatts with losses of less than 6%. This advance eliminates many of the challenges previously posed by the transmission of renewable energy.
Labor and socioeconomic impact in the region
Of course, the benefits of the AREH project are not limited to energy production. Vestas and its partners have stressed that the creation of this project will provide a boost to the local and international economy. The development of AREH could lead to the installation of factories in Indonesia, which would greatly boost the country's economy and potentially also its neighbouring nations, thus creating a significant industrial base in the region.
Another key aspect is the employment creationA project of this magnitude will require a large number of qualified professionals, and thousands of jobs are expected to be created for the construction and maintenance of solar and wind installations. In addition, a positive effect is expected on the technological and engineering sectors, favouring the growth of industries within the region.
“This project has the potential to transform Indonesia, not only by providing clean and sustainable energy, but by opening the door to thousands of new highly skilled jobs in an industry that is growing exponentially.”
In parallel to the labour aspects, Indonesia is working on creating regulations to encourage the establishment of renewable energy companies in the country, something that will make it easier for foreign companies to see the nation as an attractive investment point.
What makes AREH unique? The technology behind the project
The AREH project stands out not only for its scale, but also for the advanced technologies being applied. Among them, the aforementioned HVDC cable technology has been crucial to the project's viability. But beyond the cables, other innovations are helping AREH to be seen as a global example of what renewable energy can achieve.
The latest generation photovoltaic systems allow Maximize sunlight capture throughout the day, while new wind turbines are able to generate more energy even with moderate winds. This ability to make the most of local natural resources has been made possible by recent advances in energy efficiency.
On the other hand, studies related to the environmental impacts have been instrumental. AREH prides itself on following strict regulations to minimise ecological impacts in the area, including in subsea operations where the cables connecting Australia to Indonesia will play a crucial role.
In short, AREH stands not only as a megaproject in terms of energy capacity, but as a global example of how renewable energy can be a viable solution, sustainable and economical, and an engine of development for entire regions.